Want to move up from dispatching to deputy CEO? At Elia, anything is possible!
Talented people are given every opportunity to grow and develop at Elia – and Frederic Dunon is living proof. 22 years ago, the young civil engineer started his career in regional dispatching with the transmission system operator. Today, as Deputy CEO, he oversees security of supply in Belgium. "Talented people can take their career completely into their own hands here," says Anne Van Houtven, who is taking part as a starter in a traineeship for engineers.
Transmission system operator Elia plays a key role in the national and international electricity market. As the only player in Belgium it maintains and develops our high-voltage infrastructure and also ensures a balance between electricity supply and demand. Our country is one of the most electrically connected countries in Europe. In addition to our electrical connections with all our neighbouring countries, the power grid in the North Sea is also being expanded.
One department, many possibilities
“I started my career at Elia in 2001,” says Frederic Dunon, Deputy CEO at Elia Transmission Belgium. "I've worked my through many departments; from dispatching support and internal audit to grid development. I eventually joined the Assets department, which is responsible for maintenance work on the high-voltage infrastructure and focuses on asset management." There he rose to become Chief Assets Officer, managing more than 400 technicians in the field over the last eight years.
In that same department, Anne Van Houtven is currently going through a unique onboarding programme specifically for engineers that will involve gaining experience in various operational disciplines throughout Belgium for two years. "I've been working here for one year now," she explains. "Every six months I move on to a different core domain: low voltage, high voltage, lines and cables and ultimately to operation and dispatching. This is exactly what I'm looking for: not just desk work, but something with both feet on the ground. That's where my passion lies."
Invaluable starter programme
By coming into contact with different aspects of the company, Anne can quickly build up a broad basic knowledge. "Six months in each area really flies by. Before I know it, the next exciting challenge awaits." During her traineeship she is gaining experience via MAC (Maintenance Assessment & Commissioning) in maintaining facilities as well as in building and testing new systems.
“This starter programme is invaluable,” explains Frederic Dunon. "The engineers get familiar with all our operational activities step by step. Not only does this enable them to gain practical insights into the tasks our technicians perform in the field, but they really understand how everything actually works."
Opportunities for advancement and development
Dunon has been deputy CEO at Elia Transmission Belgium since late last year. "When I started working here, I never imagined that a few years later I would be in my current position." He is living proof that anything is possible. Anyone who works at Elia is given the time to learn, develop and - if they wish - step outside their comfort zone and change jobs.
Anne Van Houtven also has the opportunity to develop practical insight and management skills under the guidance of coaches. "My experience is that Elia clearly responds to and focuses on the talents of its people. We're given a toolbox to develop optimally and give the best of ourselves. As an employer, this company is well aware of what its people need."
Versatile and challenging work
Over the years, Frederic Dunon has seen the Assets department and Elia as an organisation evolve significantly. "For example, I took the opportunity to roll out the Go4Zero-programme, which aims to achieve zero accidents – not only for our own employees, but also for our contractors, the distribution system operators and anyone else in the vicinity of our facilities."
Climate-related challenges have also become much more important. "We're working on an answer. We're enabling the energy transition by developing diversified, sustainable and reliable electricity systems; both onshore and offshore," he says. "In all likelihood, electricity consumption in Belgium will increase by 40 percent over the next ten years. But, since wind and solar power are volatile, we have to develop additional systems and flexible solutions."
"The societal relevance of my job is certainly a great asset," emphasises Anne Van Houtven. "It's fascinating to think about the energy challenges of tomorrow and how we can tackle them as optimally and purposefully as possible – in part because new technology and innovations are seamlessly woven into those solutions."
From starter to management
For Anne Van Houtven, it's exciting to immediately be given responsibility for working things out while being able to count on an expert to support and advise her. "There's also a network of young starters. And employees who have already completed the programme share tips and tricks with those of us currently taking part."
While it is still too early for her to really know whether she has the ambition to grow into the deputy CEO role, she does see her career at Elia as very dynamic. "The programme gives me a feel for what I like, what I'm good at and where I can develop further," says Van Houtven. "Afterwards, I can apply in-house for a position that suits me perfectly and from there evolve into a management role."
The engineer of the future
What will Elia look like as an employer in 2030? Frederic Dunon: "In the years ahead, we will evolve even more towards an organisation with a highly diverse employee base. Simply having more women in the field and in other departments provides valuable cultural enrichment. In addition, our employee base will continue to grow. We currently employ 1,500 people and we're looking to hire another 600 talented people within the next five years."
And what should the engineer of the future be able to do? "The engineer of the future will have an even more ‘connecting’ role than today," concludes Anne Van Houtven. "He or she will not only be a technical expert, but will also take part in co-creation, will be multidisciplinary and will be able to communicate fluently and purposefully with other people. In short: he or she will have a wide range of soft skills and broad knowledge of multiple areas."
